The National Hospital, Abuja has lamented the scourge of the brain drain syndrome on the health sector in the country. This is even at the hospital states that the brain drain has reduced its workforce from 3,000 to 2,500. Recording about 17 per cent loss.
The hospital stated that this development is in spite of its 25 years of medical breakthroughs and significant staff expansion.
This was disclosed by the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Fielding questions, Raji highlighted the hospital’s achievements and its ongoing impact amid these staffing challenges.
Speaking on the remarkable growth of the hospital in its over 25-year history, the CMD praised the dexterity of the management. He the National Hospital began operations with a small number of members of staff. It was also offering limited services primarily for women and children.
The CMD, however, enthused that, “Today, we provide comprehensive treatment for all genders and ages.
“Our services have grown significantly over the years, and so has our workforce.”
On the strength of the hospital, he said, “The hospital now had at least 2,500 employees.
“If it was not for the brain drain affecting our workforce, we would be talking about 3,000 today.”
Raji also underscored the hospital’s pioneering achievements. These, he said, include being the first in Africa to have an Alinach Machine and leading in Nigeria for Invitro Fertilization (IVF).
“Notable milestones include separating conjoined twins. Performing the first open brain surgery with the patient fully awake. And pioneering treatments for chronic arthritis and brain surgeries.
“The hospital also celebrated the birth of sextuplets, all of whom survived,” the CMD said.
Raji, however, bemoaned the brain drain syndrome that has affected the hospital in recent years. He recalled that years ago, many Nigerians left for the Middle East for better opportunities. A development, he said, had recently resurfaced.
“The migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria to other countries has reached alarming levels. It is posing challenges for maintaining adequate staffing in Nigerian hospitals.
“It’s not easy to get as many healthcare workers as we need. Especially with the increasing number of professionals migrating abroad,” the CMD lamented.
Raji, however, expressed optimism that the trend would reverse if the environment were made right again.
He noted that this would be possible through innovative collaborations with the Nigerian Diaspora.
“The hospital has established partnerships allowing Nigerian medical professionals working abroad to return on a rotational basis.
“These professionals spend two weeks here and then return at their convenience, benefiting both them and our healthcare system,” he explained.
Raji, therefore, urged the government and private sector to create a conducive working environment to encourage more healthcare workers to stay or return to Nigeria.
NAN reports that the National Hospital will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a week of activities from September 2 to September 8.
The main event on September 4, will feature lectures, a gala, and an award night.
The event, NAN, says will focus on the importance of partnerships in tackling challenges such as brain drain and medical tourism. This is aimed at attracting both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to the hospital.
source: NAN
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